16748, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 16748, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.62 percent of the residents in 16748 has some form of health insurance. 46.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.27 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 16748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 579 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16748. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 592 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 161 health care providers accessible to residents in 16748, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16748 & Primary Care in Shinglehouse

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly concerning arthritis management, within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 16748, encompassing the town of Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania, and assesses the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to address the needs of individuals suffering from arthritis. The objective is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, incorporating factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice reputations, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis care.

The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural area like Shinglehouse, the density of physicians, especially PCPs, is often lower compared to more urban settings. This directly impacts access to care. A lower ratio means longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for arthritis, which can significantly impact quality of life. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insights into the physician supply within the county (Potter County) where Shinglehouse resides. However, it's important to consider that these figures represent the broader county and may not accurately reflect the specific availability within ZIP Code 16748. Further investigation into the number of practicing PCPs, their patient load, and their acceptance of new patients is essential.

Beyond the raw numbers, the reputation and quality of existing practices are paramount. This is where patient reviews and testimonials become invaluable. Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, along with local community forums and social media groups, can offer insights into patient experiences. These sources can reveal information about the physicians' bedside manner, their expertise in arthritis management, the efficiency of their office staff, and the overall satisfaction of patients. Practices consistently receiving positive reviews, particularly those highlighting a doctor's attentiveness, clear communication, and proactive approach to treatment, would score higher on the "Arthritis Score" assessment. Conversely, practices with a history of negative feedback, especially concerning long wait times, poor communication, or inadequate follow-up care, would receive a lower score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments or medication management, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals in rural areas who may face transportation challenges. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely, demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. The availability of telemedicine can be a substantial benefit for arthritis patients, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and allowing for more consistent monitoring of their condition. Practices that are slow to adopt telemedicine would receive a lower score, reflecting a potential barrier to convenient and timely care.

The integration of mental health resources is also vital. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Pain, limited mobility, and the disruption of daily activities can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health services, either within their practice or through referrals to local therapists and counselors, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This could include on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health professionals, or readily available information about mental health resources. Practices lacking such resources would receive a lower score, indicating a potential gap in comprehensive care.

Finally, the "Arthritis Score" assessment should consider the availability of specialized services. While PCPs are the first point of contact, access to rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other specialists is crucial for effective arthritis management. The proximity of these specialists, their acceptance of new patients, and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals from their PCPs are all important factors. Practices with established referral networks and a clear process for connecting patients with specialists would score higher. The absence of such networks would negatively impact the score, potentially hindering access to specialized care.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 16748 and primary care availability in Shinglehouse requires a comprehensive assessment. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, scrutinizing practice reputations based on patient reviews, evaluating the adoption of telemedicine, assessing the availability of mental health resources, and considering access to specialized services. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, informing patients about the best options for managing their arthritis.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Shinglehouse and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice information, and potential access challenges, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and making informed decisions about your healthcare needs.